First-time cycle touring
An easy and secure route
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Discover a unique journey with listed heritage, a different stage each day and a new way of travelling… you’ll soon find you won’t want to stop!
La Loire à Vélo, an ideal itinerary
Cyclotouristes sur les bords de Loire, à Châtillon-sur-Loire © J. Damase - CRT Centre-Val de Loire Cycle touring for two consecutive days – or more – is the start of a great adventure, and La Loire à Vélo is ideal for a first-time experience of travelling by bike. Travel in safety along the 900 km of fully signposted routes and discover exceptional heritage sites. There’s no need to be a top-level cyclist because the itinerary is suitable for all abilities. The most important thing along La Loire à Vélo is to have fun!
Extra services, and more...
Whether with friends or family, for a weekend, a week or even longer, La Loire à Vélo is suitable for everyone and offers multiple services to make life easier for you, including bike hire, electric bikes (e-bikes), luggage transport and bike maintenance. The route is also punctuated with regular rest areas with facilities.
There is an infinite number of options on La Loire à Vélo: follow the itinerary in either direction, set off by bike and catch the train back, have your bike delivered to your accommodation, hire a bike in Tours and return it in Nantes… Travel with ease and in complete freedom!
La Loire à Vélo, Le Thoureil © J. Damase There are also over 600 “Accueil Vélo” partners ready to welcome you along the way, so you can travel with full peace of mind.
Accommodation for everyone
En tandem sur les bords de la Loire, à Blois © J. Damase - CRT Centre-Val de Loire Several “Accueil Vélo” partners on the itinerary offer different types of cycle-friendly accommodation that cater for all tastes and budgets, including campsites, hotels, group accommodation, gites and guest rooms, all offering a warm and adapted welcome. If you’re looking for accommodation suited to touring but don’t want to carry your equipment or pitch a tent in the evening, choose to stay in a tent-bivouac on stilts available with Abricyclo and Anjou Bivoua.
See what’s available by taking a look at our route suggestions. If you prefer to opt for an organised trip, La Loire à Vélo also proposes “turnkey” holidays where all you need to do is go with the flow!
Advice for your first cycling tour
If this is your first time travelling by bike, it’s best to adjust the distance to your level of fitness. Stages of 40 to 50 km/day are enough to enjoy cycling and still have plenty of time for visiting and getting the most out of all the activities to discover along La Loire à Vélo. Allow for a gentle speed of 10 km/h on average. If necessary, consider using an electric bike or luggage transport services.
Don’t forget to check the bikes before setting off and pack small items that you can stow in paniers (avoid using rucksacks).
See all our advice at the Advice for organising your journey page.
Saint-Jacques à vélo : passage à Vouvray © D. Darrault - CRT Centre-Val de Loire « Cycle touring offers the excitement of discovering a new and unique stage every day, and there’s no shortage of surprises along La Loire à Vélo! With stunning scenery, châteaux, troglodyte sites, gardens, vineyards, local produce, meeting the locals and other cycle-tourists, there’s so much to do you’ll have to come back again! »
